IEA Horsemanship Quiz and Flashcards for Study

Questions and Answers

What are the three main types of muscles found in a horse's body?

Cardiac, Smooth, Skeletal

How much of a horse's body weight do muscles account for?

About half

What do flexor muscles do?

Bend joints

What do extensor muscles do?

Strengthen joints Signup and view all the answers

What do tendons do?

Connect muscles to bones Signup and view all the answers

When a tendon is damaged, what is compromised?

Elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is tendonitis?

Any clinical or pathological disorder involving tendon inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is tendosynovitis?

Inflammation within the tendon sheath Signup and view all the answers

What is a tendon rupture or bowed tendon?

Severe stress-induced inflammatory reaction causing hemorrhage and edema Signup and view all the answers

What can describe the ideal horse's conformation?

Three equal sections: Shoulders, barrel, hindquarters Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a proper athletic structure in a horse?

Balance, agility, movement Signup and view all the answers

What are conformation flaws of the head?

Overly large head, dished face, parrot mouth, small eyes Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics should the head and neck display?

Proportionate, broad forehead, symmetrical Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics should the neck have?

Defined throat latch, flexible and graceful, longer than crest Signup and view all the answers

How many teeth do horses have when born?

None Signup and view all the answers

When do permanent teeth push through?

Two and a half years Signup and view all the answers

When does a horse have a 'full mouth'?

5 years old Signup and view all the answers

Match the teeth to their age of eruption:

Central incisors = 4 weeks Intermediate incisors = 6 weeks Permanent central incisors = 2 1/2 years Permanent corner incisors = Between 4 and 5 years Signup and view all the answers

Match the molars to their age of eruption:

First premolars = 5 to 6 months Second molars = 2 years Third molars = 4 years Fourth premolars = 3 years Signup and view all the answers

What does the horse's mouth contain?

Tongue, salivary glands, interdental space, bars Signup and view all the answers

What are the withers formed by?

The top part of the third through eighth thoracic vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

What issues can a horse's withers cause?

High withers can cause unbalance; low withers can cause saddle fitting issues. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes proper back conformation?

Well muscled, blends into a wide loin Signup and view all the answers

What are conformation flaws of the chest?

Pigeon breast, base wide, narrow, shallow Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes proper shoulder conformation?

Angle between scapula and humerus is 90-105 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of a horse's body weight is on their front legs at rest?

55% Signup and view all the answers

What is proper front leg conformation?

Vertically aligned with shoulder, straight with flat knees Signup and view all the answers

What are conformation flaws to avoid in front legs?

Bench kneed, bowed legs, calf kneed, knock kneed Signup and view all the answers

What is proper hind leg conformation?

Hind cannon bones are longer than front cannon bones Signup and view all the answers

What are the four sections of the hoof?

Toe, Quarter, Heel, Heel bulbs Signup and view all the answers

What are the outer structures of the horse's hoof?

Coronary band, Wall, Sole, Bars, White line, Frog Signup and view all the answers

What is proper hoof conformation?

Large and strong hoof, wide well-developed heels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Muscle Types in Horses

Three main types of muscles: Cardiac (heart), Smooth (digestive system), Skeletal (movement).
Muscles make up about half of a horse's body weight.

Function of Muscles

Flexor muscles: Bend joints.
Extensor muscles: Strengthen joints.

Tendons and Their Importance

Tendons connect muscles to bones and are more elastic than ligaments.
Elasticity is compromised when a tendon is damaged.

Tendon Conditions

Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon and paratendon, excludes the tendon sheath.
Tendosynovitis: Inflammation within the tendon sheath.
Tendon rupture/bowed tendon: Severe stress response causing hemorrhage and swelling.

Ideal Horse Conformation

Three equal sections: Shoulders, barrel, and hindquarters.
Horse's body should be square, equidistant, even, and symmetrical.

Athletic Structure and Balance

Athletic performance is influenced by balance, agility, and movement.

Head and Neck Characteristics

Ideal head: Proportionate, broad forehead, well-set symmetrical ears.
Neck should have a defined throat latch, be flexible, and proportionate length to give balance.

Dental Development

Foals are born without teeth, develop baby teeth between 0-9 months.
Permanent teeth erupt around 2.5 years and a horse has a "full mouth" by 5 years.

Conformation of Withers

Withers formed by thoracic vertebrae should be broad and slightly higher than the croup.
High withers can lead to balance issues, while low withers can cause saddling problems.

Back and Chest Conformation

Ideal back: Well-muscled, blending into a wide loin.
Flaws in the chest: Pigeon-breasted horses have coordination issues; narrow or shallow chests can affect lung function.

Shoulder Alignment

Proper shoulder angle (90-105 degrees) allows for optimum balance and performance.
A horizontal shoulder promotes a forward-reaching stride.

Limb Conformation

55% of body weight is on front legs at rest.
Proper front leg alignment: Vertically aligned with the shoulder, straight with flat knees, and moderate pastern angles.

Flaws in Front Legs

Various conditions like bench knees, calf knees, and pigeon-toed can predispose horses to different joint disorders.

Hind Leg Structure

Hind cannon bones are slightly longer than front bones.
Straight hind legs indicate better strength and power.

Hoof Composition

Four sections: Toe, quarter, heel, and heel bulbs.
Proper hoof structure includes strong walls and a well-developed frog for circulation.

Outer Structures of Hoof

Coronary band: Tissue from which hoof grows.
The wall, sole, bars, white line, and frog all contribute to hoof health and function.

Hoof Conformation Criteria

A large, strong hoof with wide heels, prominent bars, and healthy sole texture is crucial for mobility and strength.

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Description

Prepare for the IEA Horsemanship Test with these flashcards focusing on equine muscle types and functions. This set covers key concepts such as types of muscles, their weight contribution, and specific muscle functions. Perfect for horse enthusiasts and competitors alike!

IEA Horsemanship Test Flashcards